Merchandiser ( Kolkata)

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merchandiser is to ensure that products appear in the right store or website, at the right time and in the right quantities. This involves working closely with buying teams to accurately forecast trends, plan stock levels and monitor performance.

You'll play a key role in maximising profits by setting prices, managing the performance of ranges and planning promotions and markdowns. Other responsibilities include overseeing the delivery and distribution of stock and dealing with suppliers.

While the buyer selects the lines, the merchandiser decides how much money should be spent, how many lines should be bought, and in what quantities. In smaller companies, both roles may be carried out by the same person.

Responsibilities

As a retail merchandiser, you'll typically need to:

plan product ranges and prepare sales and stock plans in conjunction with buyers

liaise with buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors

maintain a comprehensive library of appropriate data

work closely with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximise sales

produce layout plans for stores - commonly known as planograms

forecast profits and sales, and optimise the sales volume and profitability of designated product areas

plan budgets and present sales forecasts and figures for new ranges

control stock levels based on forecasts for the season

use specialist computer software, for example to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs

analyse every aspect of bestsellers (for example, the bestselling price points, colours or styles), ensuring that they reach their full potential

maintain awareness of competitors' performance

monitor slow sellers and take action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary

gather information on customers' reactions to products

analyse the previous season's sales and report on the current season's lines

make financial presentations to senior managers

accompany buyers on visits to manufacturers to appreciate production processes

meet with suppliers and manage the distribution of stock, by negotiating cost prices, ordering stock, agreeing timescales and delivery dates and completing the necessary paperwork

identify production and supply difficulties and deal with any problems or delays as they arise

manage, train and supervise junior staff